Omar Cooper Jr. increased his 2026 NFL Draft stock in a big way at the NFL Combine by running an impressive 4.42-second 40-yard dash and recording a 37-inch vertical jump.
A solid combine performance combined with a solid college football career will have Cooper Jr high on most draft boards at the wide receiver position. How high will he rise following the Combine?
As a player who helped the Hoosiers win the national title, Cooper has a championship mindset and a clutch gene to make the big plays in the big moments. In 16 games, Cooper jr. hauled in 69 receptions for 937 yards and 13 touchdowns. Not only did he show off that clutch ability, but he also showcased his physicality and versatility as a receiver. In the slot, he overpowers defenders, and, on the outside, he runs past them.
Sounds like a prize draft pick, who could have similar success as a current NFL player with a similar draft profile coming out of college.
Omar Cooper Jr. has a Deebo Samuel impact in his game
In his NFL Draft profile for Cooper Jr., NFL analyst Lance Zierlein makes the comparison between the former Indiana receiver and one Deebo Samuel based on his ability to be a nuisance and physical presence from the slot position. As a receiver who can create yards after the catch, his value in the NFL will be high come NFL Draft time.
Zierlein writes:
“Big, strong target whose two-year rise is bolstered by translatable tape. While he was a full-time slot receiver in 2025, Cooper has played outside, as well. He can stem and drive past press with his strength. He has potent early acceleration to climb past nickelbacks into top position to challenge deep. His routes lack polish and he has average in-and-out quickness at break-points, but he’s rugged once the ball is in his hands.”
Also Read:Â Top landing spots for Missouri Tigers DE/EDGE Zion Young in the 2026 NFL Draft
There will be many teams looking for a playmaker like Cooper Jr. After his NFL Combine performance, there are teams selecting toward the end of round 1 who should give Cooper Jr. a long look.
3 NFL teams in position to land Omar Cooper Jr.
Buffalo Bills
The emphasis in the offseason for the Bills will be to land a top-level target for Josh Allen. Notice I didn’t say over-the-top wide receiver. The Bills still have some hope for 2024 second-round pick Keon Coleman, but they need to add a reliable target and Cooper Jr. profiles as the type of player who could flourish catching the ball from Allen. With that slot receiver viability, combined with the ability to make plays down the field, Cooper Jr could be a more physical version of Stefon Diggs in the Bills’ offense.
Other first round options for the Bills: Akheem Mesidor (EDGE), CJ Allen (LB), KC Concepcion (WR)
Pittsburgh Steelers
Aside from quarterback, the Steelers are looking for a wide receiver to pair with DK Metcalf in the offense. Omar Cooper Jr. could emerge as that receiver come draft time. As a savvy route runner making plays from the slot position, Pittsburgh could be an ideal landing spot with Metcalf on the outside and a tight end like Pat Freiermuth doing his thing. Think of JuJu Smith-Schuster in his prime with the Steelers. Cooper Jr has similar ability and a higher ceiling if the team solves the QB conundrum long-term.Â
Other first round options for the Steelers: Ty Simpson (QB), Denzel Boston (WR), KC Concepcion (WR)
Denver Broncos
Late in the first round, the Broncos are a team to watch for Omar Cooper Jr. With a healthy Bo Nix back at the helm in 2026, Sean Payton and company will love to put another playmaker who can create yards after the catch. Cooper Jr. is not the big, tight end target they are lusting, but his clutch ability and physicality fits the team. With the sudden depth at tight end in the draft, the Broncos can walk about with Cooper Jr. and a viable tight end target for Nix.
Other first round options for the Broncos: Â Eli Stowers (TE), C.J. Allen (LB), KC Concepcion (WR)